Taiwan donates over $1M to LA County wildfire relief

In response to recent Los Angeles County wildfires that caused widespread damage — including the death of 29 individuals, the destruction of over 16,000 buildings, and tens of thousands of residents displaced — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a $500,000 donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation on Jan. 16, 2025 to aid in relief efforts. Additionally, the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce launched a fundraising campaign, collecting over $500,000, which was donated to the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA) hosted the “Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Donation and Lunar New Year Reception” at its Culture Center on Sunday. Director General Amino Chi, representing the government of Taiwan, and President Kenneth Wu, representing the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, presented the joint donation of over $1 million to the fire departments in Los Angeles. 

Other attendees included Secretary-General Kenneth Chen of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, Supervisor Maggie Chang, Honorary President Tom Wu of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America, President Karen Chen, and Honorary President Joyce Tsai, and Peter Zen, LA Wildfire Fund Raising Initiator of the Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles.

Fire Chief Chen Suen of the Arcadia Fire Department received the donation on behalf of Los Angeles fire departments. He expressed deep gratitude for Taiwan’s support and generosity. Also in attendance were Sho Tay, president of the Arcadia Fire Department Foundation, Jon Ansell, president of the Arcadia Firefighters’ Association, and Michael Cao, Arcadia mayor.

During the event, Director General Chi extended his heartfelt appreciation to the brave firefighters who battled the wildfires and were on the front line saving lives and communities. He noted that this was the worst wildfire disaster in Los Angeles history and shared that Taiwan’s President Lai and Vice President Hsiao had immediately expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. He thanked the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce for mobilizing their members to raise funds. He also expressed hope that those affected by the wildfires would soon recover and rebuild their homes.

Several U.S. officials attended the donation ceremony and expressed their gratitude for Taiwan’s support, including U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Laura Friedman, California Assemblymember Mike Fong and Assemblymember Tri Ta, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

In addition, California Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Director General Chi, stating: “On behalf of the state of California and the people of California, I write to extend my deepest gratitude for your invaluable assistance for our state during one of our greatest times of need. Emergencies have no borders, and the timely outpouring of support from Taiwan was profoundly appreciated by the people of Los Angeles and communities across the state of California.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor and Chairwoman Kathryn Barger also sent a letter thanking Taiwan for its partnership and assistance.

Southern California is home to one of the largest overseas Taiwanese communities, with many organizations actively contributing to wildfire relief efforts. Various groups have launched fundraising initiatives, donated essential supplies, and provided free accommodation to those displaced by the fires. These organizations include: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Los Angeles, Taiwan Center Foundation of Greater Los Angeles, Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Southern California Chapter, Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles, National Taiwan University Alumni Association of Southern California, Overseas Taiwan Care United Association, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Buddha’s Light International Association Los Angeles Association, Southern California Taiwanese American Emergency Assistance Association, Hsi Lai Temple Buddhist Monastery in California, Dharma Drum Mountain Los Angeles Center, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Joint Chinese University Alumni Association of Southern California, Overseas Community Care Network of Los Angeles, Inland Overseas Chinese Care and Assistance Association, Overseas Community Care Network of Orange County, Hakka Federation of USA , Taiwan Hotel & Motel Association of Southern California, Hacienda Heights Chinese American Association, Taiwan Benevolent Association of California and more. 

In addition, “Institute for Asian Crime and Security” and “China Airlines Corporation America Head Office” worked with TECO-LA to donate N95 masks and goggles.

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